Al Panlilio on Leadership and Celebrating 94 Years of PLDT

Tatler Asia's Most Influential 2022 honouree, Al Panlilio, speaks to Tatler about his journey as the President and CEO of PLDT and Smart Communications Inc

The PLDT Group and Smart Communications Inc have been undergoing a remarkable transformation journey as its president and CEO Al Panlilio leads the way.

With a new focus on five strategic pillars, one of which highlights the company's dedication to becoming a premier workplace and establishing industry-leading excellence, Panlilio appears confident despite the challenges brought about by natural calamities and changing market conditions.

Both companies continue to deliver on their commitment to keeping their customers connected, whether they're in the Philippines or overseas.

What are your projects in the last two years that you are most proud of? Why?

Al Panlilio (AP): We are undergoing a transformation journey at PLDT and Smart, with a renewed focus on five main strategic pillars: Elevating customer experience, improving PLDT and Smart’s standing as a premier workplace in the Philippines, establishing industry-leading operational excellence across the group, growing profits through new businesses and capabilities, and making PLDT the region’s leading ESG telco.

PLDT will be 94 years old this November. If we can achieve our transformation goals, I can be proud to say that PLDT will be of service to more Filipinos for the next 100 years and beyond.

True leadership produces more leaders, not followers

- Al Panlilio -

What challenges do you see now in your respective industry? How do you intend to help address these challenges?

AP: Technology is both a challenge and an opportunity in my view. The telecommunications industry is capital intensive, so we have to ensure we achieve returns on our investments as the evolution is very rapid. At the same time, technological advancements present opportunities where we can serve our customers better and remain relevant.

AP: Telcos are also continuously challenged by the impacts of shifting market conditions and natural calamities. Despite these, PLDT Group has been able to deliver on the back of the resilience of our different businesses because we remain agile and focused on our commitment to keeping our customers connected.

What can you say to those who’d like to follow in your footsteps?

AP: Leadership is learned through a lot of experiences in one’s career. It is about leading a team of high-performing individuals collaborating as one. Teamwork is key.

Leadership is also about creating an environment where leaders develop both themselves and others. True leadership produces more leaders, not followers — because only then can PLDT Group succeed and serve Filipinos for many, many years to come.

Who do you look up to for guidance, inspiration or mentorship?

AP: My wife, my dad, Chairman MVP and Ricky Vargas

What are your plans for the coming years and what keeps you going?

AP: The coming years will be about transforming PLDT Group, making it one of the greatest companies in the Philippines. A Filipino company that empowers customers through innovations and inspires meaningful connections across generations.

The employees of PLDT and Smart keep me going. I am inspired by their dedication, hard work, and malasakit [compassion] – our core value across the Group. Serving them as their leader is an honour and privilege, and we are proud to come to work every day knowing what we do empowers millions of customers through digital technology.

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Asia's Most Influential 2022 Tatler Asia Tatler Philippines al panlilio technology smart pldt